DISABLED Manchester United fans have won their fight forbetter wheelchair facilities at the showpiece Millennium Stadium - but not in time for the big match.

The Reds' fans had planned to boycott United's Worthington Cup Final clash against arch-rivals Liverpool amid claims that wheelchair users would only have a restricted view of the pitch.

But the boycott has been called off after stadium officials offered wheelchair users free entry into the final.

They have also launched an investigation into the state-of-the-art stadium's disabled facilities.

But despite the victory, many wheelchair users will not be going to Cardiff for the Worthington Cup Final because they still won't be able to see the game.

Any improvements will not be in time for United's clash with Liverpool next weekend - and only 18 members of Manchester United Disabled Supporters' Association have applied to travel to Wales.

MUDSA imposed the boycott after they said they would not be able to see from the designated disabled areas when able-bodied fans stood up.

The association's secretary, Phil Downs, said: "It is a victory for the little guy in that they are going to review the facilities at the Millennium Stadium, but unfortunately, that's not going to help us.

"This time round, we are not going to see that match so well.

Message

"But hopefully, it sends the message to anyone building a new stadium that they have to look at disabled facilities.

"It isn't something they can give scant regard to."

Mr Downs, from Didsbury, said he would probably watch the final with friends at his local pub.

"I don't think I am going to go to the final at all," he explained.

"That's not being churlish, but I would rather watch with friends down the pub, so I can make sure that I'll see it."

Mr Downs said the victory was largely down to the support of the club, Sir Alex Ferguson and Diego Forlan, whose sister is in a wheelchair.

Both the manager and the Uruguayan striker spoke up on behalf of their disabled supporters.

The goodwill gesture by the Football League follows a meeting with the two finalist clubs and Millennium Stadium officials on Monday.

Rob McRobbie, head of safety and customer services at the League said: "We have been in discussions with the stadium and disabled supporters' groups over the stadium facilities.

"We have already instigated a number of improvements to facilities in an attempt to improve the match day experience.

"However, we are obviously concerned that some disabled supporters feel that the stadium, which was built to the relevant regulations at the time, still fails to provide good views in certain areas."

He said the March 2 final was to soon for any permanent improvements at the stadium, but they should be in place by May.